Best Cheap Printer

Mick

By Mick

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Printers are a must-have for homes and offices, but not everyone needs a high-end model with all the bells and whistles. For those looking for affordability and reliability, cheap printers offer basic functionality without breaking the bank. When choosing a budget printer, consider what you’ll be printing most—whether it’s text documents or photos—as well as your monthly printing volume. Other important factors include print speed, paper capacity, and long-term ink costs. After weeks of research and testing, we found the best budget printers that deliver good print quality, easy setup, and solid performance at a great value.

  • HP DeskJet 2855e All-in-One

    10

    We think the HP DeskJet 2855e is a solid choice for basic home printing needs at an affordable price.

    Pros

    • Easy wireless setup
    • Compact size fits anywhere
    • 3 months of free ink included

    Cons

    • Slow print speeds
    • Small paper capacity
    • Only works with HP ink

    We tested the HP DeskJet 2855e and found it simple to set up. The HP Smart app guided us through the process in under 10 minutes. We had no trouble connecting it to our Wi-Fi network.

    This printer is small enough to fit on a desk or shelf. We like that it doesn’t take up much space. The 60-sheet paper tray is on the small side, but fine for light home use.

    Print quality was good for text and basic color documents. Photos came out okay but not amazing. It’s slow though – we clocked about 7 pages per minute for black and white. Color printing was even slower at around 5 pages per minute.

    We appreciate that HP includes 3 months of free ink through their Instant Ink program. Just know you’ll need to cancel if you don’t want to keep paying after the trial. The printer only works with HP brand ink cartridges.

    For basic home printing tasks like lists and letters, we think the DeskJet 2855e gets the job done at a budget-friendly price. But those needing faster speeds or higher volume printing should look elsewhere.

    Sale
    HP DeskJet 2855e All-in-One
    • FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – The DeskJet 2855e is perfect for homes printing to-do lists, letters, financial documents and recipes. Print speeds up to 5.5 ppm color, 7.5 ppm black.
  • HP DeskJet 4255e

    9.7

    We think the HP DeskJet 4255e is a solid choice for anyone seeking an affordable all-in-one printer for basic home use.

    Pros

    • Easy wireless setup
    • Decent print quality
    • 3 months of free ink

    Cons

    • Slow print speeds
    • Small paper capacity
    • Ink can be pricey after trial

    We tested the HP DeskJet 4255e and found it simple to set up. The printer connected to our Wi-Fi network quickly using the HP app on our phone. Within minutes, we were printing documents from our laptop and smartphone.

    The print quality surprised us for a budget printer. Text looked crisp, and color photos came out better than we expected. While not photo-lab quality, family snapshots looked good enough to stick on the fridge.

    We liked the compact size of the 4255e. It fit nicely on our small desk without taking up too much space. The 60-sheet paper tray was enough for our daily needs, but you might want a bigger printer if you print a lot.

    Scanning and copying worked well in our tests. The auto document feeder made it easy to scan multi-page documents. We scanned directly to our phone using the HP app, which was handy.

    Print speeds were on the slow side. It took about 12 seconds for the first page to come out. Color prints were even slower. If you need to print big jobs fast, this isn’t the printer for you.

    The three months of free ink is nice, but watch out for costs after that. HP’s Instant Ink program can save money if you print a lot. But if you only print now and then, buying cartridges as needed might be cheaper.

    Sale
    HP DeskJet 4255e
    • FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – The DeskJet 4255e is perfect for homes printing to-do lists, letters, financial documents and recipes. Print speeds up to 5.5 ppm color, 8.5 ppm black.
  • Canon PIXMA TS6420a All-in-One

    9.5

    We think the Canon PIXMA TS6420a is a solid choice for budget-conscious home office users who need a versatile all-in-one printer.

    Pros

    • Wireless connectivity for easy setup
    • Auto-duplex printing saves paper
    • Compact design fits well in small spaces

    Cons

    • Print speeds could be faster
    • Small paper capacity
    • Ink costs add up over time

    When we first set up the Canon PIXMA TS6420a, we were impressed by how simple the process was. The wireless connectivity made it a breeze to connect to our home network. We liked that we could print from our phones and laptops without any fuss.

    The print quality surprised us for a printer in this price range. Text came out crisp and clear, while photos had vibrant colors. We found the auto-duplex feature handy for saving paper when printing longer documents.

    We did notice that print speeds weren’t the fastest, especially for color prints. The paper tray only holds 100 sheets, so we had to refill it often during busy periods. Keep in mind that while the upfront cost is low, you’ll need to factor in ongoing ink expenses.

    The scanner worked well for our needs, producing clear digital copies of documents and photos. We appreciated the compact size of the printer, which fit nicely on our desk without taking up too much space.

    For basic home office tasks, we found the Canon PIXMA TS6420a to be a capable all-in-one printer. It’s not perfect, but it offers good value for those on a tight budget who need a printer that can handle a variety of jobs.

  • Brother MFC-J4335DW All-in-One

    9.4

    We think this Brother printer is a great choice for home offices that need an affordable, feature-packed machine with low running costs.

    Pros

    • Long-lasting ink supply
    • Versatile all-in-one functionality
    • Easy mobile printing

    Cons

    • Bulky design
    • Small paper capacity
    • Limited photo printing quality

    When we tested the Brother MFC-J4335DW, we were impressed by how much ink it came with. The box includes enough to print for up to a year, which is a big plus for busy households. We didn’t have to worry about running out of ink for ages.

    The printer was a breeze to set up. We connected it to our Wi-Fi network in minutes, and the Brother Mobile Connect app made it simple to print from our phones. We liked being able to scan documents directly to our cloud storage accounts too.

    Print quality for text and graphics was crisp and clear in our tests. The automatic document feeder came in handy for multi-page scans. We found the duplex printing feature saved paper, though it was a bit slower. While it’s not the fastest printer we’ve used, it got the job done without long waits.

    Sale
    Brother MFC-J4335DW All-in-One
    • INKvest in a printer you won’t want to replace with up to 1-year of ink in-box.¹ Experience truly uninterrupted printing, exceptional savings and super convenience with up to 1-year of ink using only the 4 cartridges provided in-box.
  • Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4820

    9.3

    We recommend the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4820 for small offices seeking a fast, feature-rich printer at a good price.

    Pros

    • Fast printing speeds
    • High-quality output
    • User-friendly touchscreen

    Cons

    • Ink can be pricey
    • Paper tray could be bigger
    • Setup can be tricky

    The WF-4820 surprised us with its zippy performance. We printed a 10-page document in under 30 seconds. The text looked crisp and clear, while color graphics popped with vivid hues. It’s great for both text-heavy reports and colorful presentations.

    We liked the big 4.3-inch touchscreen. It made tasks like scanning and copying a breeze. The screen is bright and responsive, so we didn’t have to tap multiple times to get it to work. The menu layout is simple, which helps when you’re in a rush to print something.

    The printer has some neat extras. We tested the auto-duplex feature and it worked well, saving paper. The 35-page document feeder came in handy for multi-page scans. Wi-Fi Direct let us print from our phones without a network, which was cool. But setting up these features took some time and patience.

    Sale
    Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4820
    • High-speed printing — PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology delivers high-speed, high-volume printing with 25 black/12 color ISO ppm and fast first-page-out.
  • Gloryang Portable Thermal Printer

    9.1

    We think this compact thermal printer is a good choice for travelers and students who need basic printing on the go.

    Pros

    • No ink needed
    • Very portable
    • Long battery life

    Cons

    • Print quality is just okay
    • Only works with special paper
    • Setup can be tricky

    We tested this little Gloryang printer and found it handy for quick prints away from home. It’s super light at under 2 pounds and fits easily in a bag. The best part? No messy ink to deal with.

    Setting it up took a few tries. We had to download an app and fiddle with Bluetooth. But once connected, it printed fast. The thermal paper it uses means you never buy ink. We got about 3 hours of printing before needing a charge.

    Print quality is fine for basic documents, but don’t expect perfection. Photos look so-so. We like that it handles full 8.5×11 inch paper. For students printing notes or travelers needing tickets, it works well. Just keep in mind you’re stuck buying special thermal paper.

    Gloryang Portable Thermal Printer
    • Inkless Efficiency - Gloryang mobile printer offers cost-effective and inkless printing solutions. Utilizing advanced thermal technology eliminates the need for ink, toner, or ribbons. The package includes a printer, 3 rolls of thermal printing paper(one roll in the printer & extra 2 rolls), a carrying case, a charging cable, instruction manual, and a guide card, etc. Only compatible with Gloryang thermal paper, not inkjet paper!!
  • HP DeskJet Plus 4152 All-in-One

    9

    We think this budget-friendly HP printer is a solid choice for basic home and office needs.

    Pros

    • Easy mobile printing and setup
    • Automatic document feeder
    • Dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity

    Cons

    • Ink costs can add up
    • Print quality is average
    • Paper tray capacity is limited

    We recently got our hands on the HP DeskJet Plus 4152, and it’s a decent pick for those on a tight budget. The setup was pretty straightforward – we used the HP Smart app on our phone to get it up and running in just a few minutes. It’s nice to have a printer that doesn’t fight us every step of the way.

    The print quality is okay for everyday documents, but don’t expect photo lab results. We like that it can print, scan, and copy without breaking a sweat. The 35-page automatic document feeder is handy for tackling multi-page jobs. We found ourselves using the mobile printing feature quite a bit – it’s great to be able to print directly from our phones.

    One thing to keep in mind is the ongoing cost of ink. HP pushes their Instant Ink program, which can be good if you print a lot. But if you’re an occasional printer, you might want to stick with regular cartridges. The paper tray only holds 60 sheets, so you’ll need to refill it often if you print in large batches. All in all, it’s a basic printer that gets the job done for most home users.

  • Phomemo M832 Portable Printer

    8.7

    We think the Phomemo M832 is a good choice for those who need a compact, wireless printer for occasional use on the go.

    Pros

    • Portable and lightweight
    • No ink needed
    • Works with multiple paper sizes

    Cons

    • Print quality is decent but not great
    • Setup can be tricky
    • Thermal paper may curl after printing

    The Phomemo M832 surprised us with its tiny size. It’s about as big as a thick paperback book, making it super easy to toss in a bag. We loved how we could print stuff without worrying about ink – it uses heat instead.

    We tried it out in a few places. It worked well for printing quick notes in the car and receipts at a yard sale. The battery lasted through a full day of light use. But when we printed a lot, it did get warm.

    Setting it up took some fiddling. The app isn’t the best, but once we got it working, printing from our phones was pretty smooth. The print quality is okay for basic text and simple graphics. Don’t expect crisp photos though – it’s more for functional printing than anything fancy.

    Phomemo M832 Portable Printer
    • Upgrade Portable Printer - Built-in 2600mAh rechargeable battery, supports 5 sizes of thermal paper (8.5" x 11" US Letter size, A4, 4.33", 3.14", and 2.08" width), perfect for Dad or Mom's business travel, Daughter and Son's learning materials, Uncle's delivery notes, Aunt's coffee shop receipts, and Grandparents' paper reading, all in one M832 printer. The printer set includes 4 rolls of thermal paper (3 rolls are in the printer case, the other is in the printer)
  • Brother HL-L2460DW Laser Printer

    8.7

    We think this Brother printer is a solid choice for home offices needing fast, high-quality black and white printing at an affordable price.

    Pros

    • Fast printing at 36 pages per minute
    • Compact size fits well on desks
    • Wireless and mobile printing options

    Cons

    • Monochrome printing only
    • Paper tray capacity could be larger
    • Setup can be tricky for some users

    We’ve been testing the Brother HL-L2460DW for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its speed and print quality. This printer churns out crisp text and graphics quickly, which is great for busy home offices. We like how it doesn’t take up much space on our desk.

    The wireless printing feature works well. We had no trouble printing from our phones and laptops once we got it set up. The printer connects to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks, which gives us more flexibility. We also tried the Brother Mobile Connect app and found it handy for managing print jobs on the go.

    One thing to note is that this printer only does black and white. If you need color, look elsewhere. The 250-sheet paper tray is okay for most uses, but we found ourselves refilling it more often during heavy print jobs. Some of us had a bit of trouble with the initial setup, but a quick call to Brother’s support sorted things out. Overall, we think this printer offers good value for those needing fast, quality monochrome printing.

    Sale
    Brother HL-L2460DW Laser Printer
    • BEST FOR HOME OFFICES & SMALL TEAMS – Engineered for consistent, premium print quality, the Brother HL-L2460DW Monochrome (Black & White) Laser Printer produces documents that are clear, crisp, and easy to review and share, all at an affordable price
  • Canon MG3620 All-in-One Printer

    8.6

    We recommend the Canon MG3620 for budget-conscious users who need a basic all-in-one printer for home use.

    Pros

    • Easy mobile printing
    • Compact design
    • Auto double-sided printing

    Cons

    • Slow print speeds
    • Small paper capacity
    • Setup can be tricky

    We tested the Canon MG3620 and found it to be a solid choice for casual home printing needs. The wireless connectivity worked well, letting us print from our phones and tablets without a hitch. We liked how little space it took up on our desk.

    The print quality was good for documents and decent for photos. Text came out crisp, and colors looked nice on glossy paper. We did notice it was on the slower side – it took about 10 seconds for a black and white page.

    One thing that bugged us was the small 100-sheet paper tray. We had to refill it often when printing longer documents. The auto-duplexing feature was handy though, saving paper when printing double-sided.

    Setup gave us some trouble at first. The instructions weren’t super clear, but we got it working after watching an online video. Once set up, it was smooth sailing. The scanner worked well for basic needs like copying documents.

    Canon MG3620 All-in-One Printer
    • Wireless 3-in-1 (print | copy | scan)

Buying Guide

When shopping for a cheap printer, there are several key factors to consider. We’ve put together this guide to help you make the best choice.

Print Quality

Look for printers with at least 600 dpi resolution. This ensures decent text and image quality for most everyday printing needs.

Print Speed

Check the pages per minute (ppm) rating. For home use, 10-20 ppm is usually sufficient.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi connectivity allows for easy printing from multiple devices. USB ports are also handy for direct connections.

Ink Costs

Consider the long-term costs of replacement ink cartridges. Some cheaper printers may have more expensive ink refills.

Paper Handling

Check the paper tray capacity and whether the printer can handle different paper sizes and types.

Extra Features

Some budget-friendly options offer useful extras like scanning and copying capabilities.

Brand Reliability

Research customer reviews and ratings to gauge the printer’s reliability and durability.

Here’s a quick comparison of important features to look for:

FeatureRecommended Minimum
Resolution600 dpi
Print Speed10 ppm
ConnectivityWi-Fi, USB
Paper Capacity100 sheets

By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a printer that meets your needs without breaking the bank.